Cyprus intensifies inspections at slaughterhouses and butcher shops due to foot-and-mouth disease before Easter

In Cyprus, inspections by Veterinary Services (Κτηνιατρικές Υπηρεσίες) at slaughterhouses, craft, and retail meat outlets have been intensified since Saturday ahead of the Easter holidays, reported senior veterinary officer Sotiria Georgiadou (Σωτηρία Γεωργιάδου).

According to Georgiadou, no new confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease were identified through laboratory testing by Saturday noon. Currently, 52 infected farms remain; the last confirmed infection was detected on Friday at a farm in Geri (Γέρι) with 144 head of cattle.

Veterinary services are conducting sampling and epidemiological tracing of outbreaks. The service representative emphasized that if violations are identified, products will be seized, and prescribed fines will be applied to offenders.

The goal of the inspections is to ensure compliance with food safety systems and guarantee the suitability of meat for consumption during the Easter period. Vaccination of cattle, small ruminants, and pigs also continues as part of measures to contain the spread of the disease, the official noted.